Friday Grab Bag, May 1, 2026

The Friday Grab Bag is a weekly series that highlights fun, unique, and interesting happenings in Colorado libraries, and includes news from the Colorado State Library as well as images from the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. Let’s open the Friday Grab Bag!

Library Events & Programs

Fun & Festive

In anticipation of “May the 4th,” High Plains Library District is hosting their annual Star Wars Day at Centennial Park Library on May 3 from 1:00-3:00 pm. They’ll have Star Wars-related activities, crafts, and games (Bingo at 1:30!). Also, costumers will be present from the 501st and Mando Mercs for photo opportunities, a life-size R2D2 will be roaming around, and more! Dressing up like your favorite Star Wars character is encouraged.

The 2026 Durango Literary Festival is May 5-19, and features writing workshops, local authors, a writing contest reception, and even a food exploration—all held at Durango Public Library.

Jefferson County Public Library invites you to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Colorado Youth Mariachi on May 2 at Columbine Library. Get in the spirit with their lively musical performance.

Spanish Peaks Library District and their local partners welcome you to the 3rd Annual Kite Festival on May 2 at Fiesta Park in Walsenburg. Bring your own kite or get a free one at the event.

Join Garfield County Libraries at the Glenwood Springs Library for the 5th Annual Comics Festival on May 2. Activities include comic book giveaways, games, a tech area, face painting, crafting, and a costume contest.

New Experiences

Anythink Wright Farms is offering a class on Backcountry Cooking on May 5. Experts from Colorado Mountain Club will teach you how to prepare simple meals in a backcountry setting using camp stoves and basic tools.

Louisville Public Library welcomes adults to More than talk: Amateur Radio in 2026 on May 8. Discover how modern amateur radio combines exploration, worldwide connection, and community service in one fascinating hobby.

Basalt Regional Library invites their community to a performance of The High Country Sinfonia, part of their Music at the Library series, on May 1 at 6:30 pm. These musicians from the Roaring Fork Valley bring string chamber music from the classical canon to audiences.

Pikes Peak Library District invites aspiring authors to Beyond The Page: How to Sell Your Book in Person Like a Pro on May 2 at East Library. Learn how to create an inviting table display, craft a compelling book pitch, engage readers naturally, and turn conversations into lasting connections.

Newly Hatched

Lone Cone Library is celebrating the arrival of baby ducklings! These fuzzy balls of cuteness were helped along their journey by STEAM program participants. Drop by the library in the next two weeks to meet them before they head off to their new homes.

America 250 – Colorado 150 Celebrations

Is your library planning any 250-150 events? The Colorado State Library would love to feature them in the Friday Grab Bag. Email Amy Hitchner with an event link or the details.

What’s New from the Colorado State Library

Colorado State Publications Blog

Colorado’s Governors: Walter W. Johnson. Colorado’s 32nd governor served for just 9 months in 1950 after the resignation of Governor Knous.

Resource Sharing

Check Out Colorado State Parks – 2025 Statistical Report. 2025 was another banner year for this popular program, with over 7,000 state park pass checkouts.

Learning Opportunities

All events are online except where a location is noted.

• HESTL EdCON
  • June 9 at the DCSD Campus in Lone Tree
• Find even more learning opportunities:
  • Libraries Learn
  • Maine State Library’s Continuing Education Calendar (note: all MSL events are listed in Eastern time). A different view of these events is available at Free Online Learning Opportunities for May 2026.

Library Jobline

Are you considering a job change this year? Check out Library Jobline for hot new library employment opportunities, like this selection from around Colorado.

• Library Services Coordinator – Collection Management – Westminster Public Library
• Workforce Librarian – High Plains Library District
• Library Specialist, Full-Time – Arapahoe Library District

All images are from the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection, a service of Colorado State Library.

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This post is part of the Spotlight on Sharing initiative, which aims to increase the visibility of Colorado library programs and resource sharing.

Do you have a story from your library to share? Email Amy Hitchner, [email protected].

All images except where noted are from the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection, a service of Colorado State Library.